Cataracts affect millions of Americans. Cataracts are especially common among senior citizens. As the eyes age, it is normal for one or both of the lenses to become clouded by cataracts. The lens is the clear part of the eye that allows the retina to focus light and images. When a cataract clouds the lens, the eye loses its ability to produce a clear picture. As a result, individuals with cataracts suffer from blurry, unfocused vision. Cataract surgery permanently treats cataracts to restore clear vision. The experienced eye doctors at Broberg Eye Care perform cataract surgery with IOLs to provide our Austin, TX patients with focused vision without the use of glasses.
What Are IOLs?
IOLs are intraocular lenses. Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses that are implanted into the eye to replace the natural crystalline lens. Essentially, these are permanent contact lenses. An intraocular lens comes in several different prescription types. Because they come in so many versions, an IOL can be customized to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. When they have been surgically implanted, IOLs become a permanent part of the eye. These lenses provide clear vision without the hassle or inconvenience of glasses or removable contact lenses.
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
IOLs are placed during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the only permanent solution for cataracts. The expertise of our eye doctors, along with the advanced surgical techniques used at our practice, improve the safety and success of the procedure. During cataract surgery, we will remove a lens that has become clouded over with a cataract and replace it with an IOL. This is a fairly quick outpatient procedure that is virtually pain-free for our patients.
Prior to beginning cataract surgery, the patient’s eyes will be numbed using a topical anesthetic. This ensures patient comfort throughout the procedure. To begin surgery, a tiny incision will be placed in the cornea. Our eye doctors will insert a small probe (roughly the size of a needle) through this incision. The probe emits ultrasonic waves that break up the cataract so that damaged tissue can be suctioned from the eye. When the cataract has been removed, we will insert the appropriate IOL. In the next several weeks, the IOL will heal and become a permanent part of the eye.
Results
The results of cataract surgery are not immediate. As the eyes recover, it is normal for patients to experience blurry vision, along with other symptoms such as dry, itchy eyes. However, within a few days, the side effects of cataract surgery will begin to dissipate, and vision will slowly improve.
Patients should understand that it may take up to eight weeks for the full visual benefits of cataract surgery to be realized. Cataract surgery with IOLs sharpens vision and eliminates the symptoms of cataracts. However, some patients may still require assistance from corrective lenses after cataract surgery is complete.
Schedule an Appointment
Cataracts compromise vision and interfere with a person’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks. If your vision has suffered as a result of cataracts, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. To find out if cataract surgery with IOLs is right for you, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors at Broberg Eye Care.